Impact assessment of COVID-19 global pandemic on water, environment, and humans

The responses of physical, chemical, and microbiology components on the water quality of Cirebon's estuaries during pre and post-COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to significant societal disruptions, prompting the Indonesian government to implement various measures, including partial lockdowns or Community Activities Restrictions Enforcement (CARE), to curb the virus's spread. This research aims to assess the impact of various environmental parameters on Cirebon's estuaries, focusing on physical components (such as temperature, total solids [TS], and turbidity), chemical components (including pH, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), dissolved oxygen (DO), nitrate, and phosphate), and microbiology components (specifically total coliforms). These comprehensive components have notably impacted environmental parameters during pre-, during, and post-COVID-19 pandemic based on the Water Quality Index (WQI) assessment in Cirebon's estuaries. In the port city of Cirebon, located on Java Island's northern coast, the water quality of three river estuaries Kesenden, Sukalila, and Kalijaga was analyzed before and after the CARE implementation. Water samples collected in 2019, 2020, 2022, and 2023 were evaluated against Class II water quality standards per Indonesian Government Regulation No. 22 of 2021. The assessment of WQI was determined using the National Sanitation Foundation Water Quality Index (NSF-WQI) technique revealing significant fluctuations and trends across various stations over the 2019-2023. In 2019, the water quality at Kesenden, Sukalila, and Kalijaga stations was recorded at 52.21, 56.40, and 53.36, respectively. By 2020, began of COVID 19, there was a noticeable decreasing of WQI, Sukalila sustained a "Moderate" classification with a WQI of 54.59, whereas Kesenden and Kalijaga witnessed declines with values recorded at 49.5 and 49.7, respectively. However, the peak-implementation of the CARE program in 2022 saw a drastic decline in water quality, with values dropping below the threshold in all observed stations, 23.97 in Kesenden, 23.10 in Sukalila, and 35.36 in Kalijaga. Meanwhile, the water quality in 2023 experienced increasing (remained in the poor category) with index values of 44.31, 35.14, and 42.0 at Kesenden, Sukalila, and Kalijaga, respectively. The findings underscore the complex interplay between human activities and environmental health, highlighting the need for sustainable practices and robust water management policies to mitigate the adverse effects of such disruptions. The results from the monitoring of ocean health pre- and post-the CARE implementation in the pandemic era have provided a unique opportunity to reflect on human behavior and its impact on the environment, emphasizing the importance of adopting pro-environmental behaviors to support sustainable development in the post-pandemic era. PRACTITIONER POINTS: The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic led to an improvement in water quality due to the reduction in industrial and human activities resulting CARE. The significant reduction in anthropogenic activities such as industry and transportation, which lead the improvement in DO, pH, and coliform because decreasing the phosphate, nitrate, turbidity, total solid, and BOD. The CARE program in 2022 and 2023, there was a marked decline in the water quality index across all monitoring stations in Cirebon. CARE period of reduced anthropogenic pressure offers valuable insights for policymakers to develop sustainable water management strategies to maintain and further improve water quality post-pandemic.

Evaluating urban water ecological carrying capacity and obstacles to its achievement using an integrated DPSIR-based approach: A case study of 16 cities in Hubei Province, China

Urban Water Ecological Carrying Capacity (UWECC) is an important dimension for measuring the health of urban water ecosystems and is crucial for promoting the coordination between economic and social development and ecological protection. This study introduces a novel UWECC assessment method by coupling criterion layers with driving indicators and is the first to examine the impact of COVID-19 on UWECC. Taking the 16 prefecture-level cities in Hubei Province, China, as an example, first a comprehensive evaluation index system for UWECC was constructed based on the DPSIR framework. Then, an improved CRITIC-entropy weight method was used to dynamically evaluate the UWECC from 2010 to 2020. Finally, a combination of the coupling coordination degree (CCD) and obstacle diagnosis models was used to explore the main influencing indicators on the criterion layer and indicator level, and to also consider the impact of the onset of COVID-19. The main results were as follows: (1) The UWECC in Hubei Province in 2010-2020 had an overall upward trend. Specifically, it showed a fluctuating rise from 2010 to 2017, a short decline from 2018 to 2019, and a sharp rise in 2020. (2) The CCD of each city is significantly positively correlated with the UWECC, and the CCD among the criterion layers is an important indicator affecting the evaluation of UWECC. On average, the five major obstacles to improving UWECC are the cumulative control area of soil erosion, ecological index, integrated production capacity, GDP per capita, and annual precipitation. (3) The occurrence of COVID-19 not only had a significant impact on the economic development, public health, and social stability of Hubei Province but was also accompanied by substantial changes to the urban ecological environment and annual rainfall. These changes appear to be associated with the substantial enhancement of UWECC in 2020.

Nutrient variations and environmental relationships of lakes and reservoirs before and after the COVID-19 epidemic public lockdown policy elimination: A nationwide comparative view in China

The continuous impact of COVID-19 on aquatic environments has attracted considerable attention, primarily focusing on short-term water quality effects during lockdown, while studies on changes following the lifting of restrictions are relatively limited. Following adjustments to China's pandemic public policy in December 2022, the effects on water quality and nutrient status in lakes and reservoirs remain unclear. In this study, we collected national environmental monitoring data comprising 15 indicators of water quality, meteorology, soil, and economic factors, from 86 lakes and reservoirs across China between March 2021 and December 2023. Total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), the mass TN/TP ratio (TN/TP), and ammonia-nitrogen (NH3-N) were selected as representative nutrient indicators. The water quality index (WQI) and multivariate statistical techniques were employed to comprehensively assess national water quality and identify the drivers of nutrient variations in sub-regions. The results show that during the monitoring period from 2021 to 2023, Chinese national water quality consistently fell within the 'good (61-80)' or 'excellent (81-100)' categories, with the lowest water quality observed in the summer of each year. The summer of 2021 recorded the lowest WQI value among all seasons at 75.01. Following the elimination of the COVID-19 epidemic public lockdown policy, concentrations of TN, TP, and NH3-N declined. These findings indicate a general improvement in the water quality of lakes and reservoirs nationwide. Mantel test and multiple stepwise linear regression models revealed significant correlations between nutrients and human activity indicators in central, eastern, and northern China. In northern China, TP showed a significant positive correlation with GDP (0.2 < Mantel's r < 0.5, P < 0.05), with the beta value increasing from 0.27 to 0.38 after the elimination of the COVID-19 epidemic public lockdown policy. In these regions, the influence of rainfall, wind speed, NDVI, surface soil moisture, and water temperature on nutrients shifted from significant to insignificant effects after the elimination of the COVID-19 epidemic public lockdown policy, indicating that human activities have overshadowed natural factors. This study examines the water quality and nutrient status of lakes and reservoirs in China after the elimination of the COVID-19 epidemic public lockdown policy, highlighting the long-term impacts and spatial variations of the pandemic. These findings will inform environmental governance and promote sustainable water resource management in the post-pandemic era.

Dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 variants in West Africa: Insights into genomic surveillance in resource-constrained settings

SARS-CoV-2 geno-surveillance has been challenging in West Africa. Despite the multiple challenges encountered, particularly in West Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic, efforts were made to circumscribe the spread of the disease and to provide methods and resources for surveillance. We aim to describe the dynamic of SARS-CoV-2 variants and highlight the efforts made in genomic surveillance in West Africa. Therefore, we proceeded to retrieve West African countries' SARS-CoV-2 data from public repository (GISAID) and then ensued to a descriptive statistical analysis. From the start of the pandemic till December 2023, we found less than a million COVID-19 cases notified within the West African region. Overall, the study population was 50.21 % Males with a median age of 37. Regarding genomic data, only 3.02 % of cases were sequenced and deposited in GISAID. Of the available sequence, we noted that most of the variants have circulated in West Africa before the official notification of the variants. Nigeria, Ghana, and Senegal provided together more than half of West Africa's originating sequences when Omicron and Delta variants were the most sequenced in West Africa.

Evaluation of soil erosion in the Changhua River Basin on Hainan Island based on the Chinese soil loss equation model

Soil erosion is one of the most serious ecological and environmental problems facing southern China. The Changhua River Basin on Hainan Island is affected by soil erosion, which is causing the soil environment to become more fragile. Compared with the Revised Soil Erosion Equation (RUSLE), the Chinese Soil Loss Equation (CSLE) is based on a large amount of Chinese local data and research results, which more accurately reflect the actual situation of soil erosion in China and therefore have better accuracy and applicability in the Chinese region. By combining GIS and RS technologies, this study establishes the CSLE model of the Changhua River Basin, quantifies the soil erosion data via image elements from 2020 to 2022 using the spatial interpolation method, classifies the erosion intensity, and analyzes the spatial and temporal change characteristics of soil erosion. The statistical results show that, during the period from 2020 to 2022, the area of slight erosion in the Changhua River Basin increased by 553.25 km2, with a rate of change of 15.83 %, and the areas of mild erosion, moderate erosion, intense erosion, very intense erosion, and severe erosion decreased by 446.42 km2, 64.4 km2, 25.73 km2, 11.25 km2, and 5.45 km2, respectively, with rates of change of -31.05 %, -30.08 %, -36.58 %, -18.02 %, and -13.85 %, respectively. Slight erosion is defined as soil erosion less than the permissible soil loss and is not regarded as soil erosion, and the other erosion intensities showed a yearly decreasing trend, indicating that the soil erosion control was effective during this three-year period. In the work of soil and water conservation, it is especially necessary to determine the main factors influencing soil erosion and predict the areas that may be prone to such erosion. Therefore, on the basis of establishing a characteristic model using land use type, slope and soil type, and through superposition analysis, we obtained the spatial and temporal change characteristics of soil erosion. The research results are as follows: (1) slight erosion is mainly concentrated in forested areas, and forested land has a better capacity for soil and water conservation; (2) mild, moderate, and strong erosion mainly occur in cultivated areas and areas with a slope of 0-5°; (3) areas of built land and areas with a slope of 8°-15° are more prone to intense erosion, although they cover a smaller area; (4) when the slope is greater than 15°, the overlap range with the forest area is larger and the slope is no longer the main factor leading to soil erosion. Thus, it can be seen that forest land significantly reduces the impact of soil erosion. (5) among the different soil types, Technosol, Ferralsol and Fluvisol all have less than 55 per cent uneroded area and are generally less erosion-resistant, while Lixisol and Acrisol are relatively more susceptible to a high degree of erosion hazard (Extremely strong erosion, severe erosion).

Enhancing the efficiency of magnetically driven carbon nitride-based nanocomposites with magnetic nanoflowers for the removal of methylene blue dye at neutral pH

The present study focuses on the elaboration of magnetic nanocomposites by the in situ incorporation of magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles (NPs) with spherical and nanoflower-like morphologies in graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) sheets using two different synthetic routes. Nanomaterials are characterized by TEM, SEM, XRD, FTIR, BET, zetametry, vibrating sample magnetometry, and UV-vis absorption spectroscopy. The decoration of the carbon nitride matrix with the magnetic NPs enhanced optical and textural properties. The influence of the morphology of the magnetic NPs on the adsorptive and photocatalytic properties of the nanocomposites under different pH conditions (4.5, 6.9, and 10.6) was assessed from batch tests to remove methylene blue (MB) from aqueous solutions. In extreme pH conditions, the nanocomposites exhibited lower or equivalent MB removal capacity compared to the pure g-C3N4. However, at neutral medium, the nanocomposite with incorporated Fe3O4 nanoflowers showed a significantly higher removal efficiency (80.7%) due to the combination of a high adsorption capacity and a good photocatalytic activity in this pH region. The proposed nanocomposite is a promising alternative to remove cationic dyes from water by magnetic assistance, since no pH adjustment of the polluted effluent is required, reducing costs and environmental impact in the dyeing industry.

Water consumption and biodiversity: Responses to global emergency events

Given that it was a once-in-a-century emergency event, the confinement measures related to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused diverse disruptions and changes in life and work patterns. These changes significantly affected water consumption both during and after the pandemic, with direct and indirect consequences on biodiversity. However, there has been a lack of holistic evaluation of these responses. Here, we propose a novel framework to study the impacts of this unique global emergency event by embedding an environmentally extended supply-constrained global multi-regional input-output model (MRIO) into the drivers-pressure-state-impact-response (DPSIR) framework. This framework allowed us to develop scenarios related to COVID-19 confinement measures to quantify country-sector-specific changes in freshwater consumption and the associated changes in biodiversity for the period of 2020-2025. The results suggest progressively diminishing impacts due to the implementation of COVID-19 vaccines and the socio-economic system's self-adjustment to the new normal. In 2020, the confinement measures were estimated to decrease global water consumption by about 5.7% on average across all scenarios when compared with the baseline level with no confinement measures. Further, such a decrease is estimated to lead to a reduction of around 5% in the related pressure on biodiversity. Given the interdependencies and interactions across global supply chains, even those countries and sectors that were not directly affected by the COVID-19 shocks experienced significant impacts: Our results indicate that the supply chain propagations contributed to 79% of the total estimated decrease in water consumption and 84% of the reduction in biodiversity loss on average. Our study demonstrates that the MRIO-enhanced DSPIR framework can help quantify resource pressures and the resultant environmental impacts across supply chains when facing a global emergency event. Further, we recommend the development of more locally based water conservation measures-to mitigate the effects of trade disruptions-and the explicit inclusion of water resources in post-pandemic recovery schemes. In addition, innovations that help conserve natural resources are essential for maintaining environmental gains in the post-pandemic world.

The role of NOS3-rs1799983 and NOS3- rs2070744 SNP in occurrence of avascular necrosis as a post COVID-19 complication

Avascular necrosis (AVN) is a debilitating condition characterized by bone tissue death due to inadequate blood supply, leading to joint dysfunction and collapse. This study investigates the potential association between AVN and COVID-19, focusing on genetic factors such as NOS3 polymorphisms. A total of 180 individuals were included, comprising 120 COVID-19 patients and 60 healthy controls. Clinical, haematological, biochemical, and genetic parameters were assessed. Results revealed significant differences in respiratory and heart rates, haematological counts, and biochemical markers between AVN and control groups. Genetic analysis showed a higher prevalence of the TG genotype and G allele in NOS3 rs1799983 polymorphism among AVN patients. Additionally, NOS3 rs2070744 polymorphism correlated with various clinical parameters, including blood pressure, heart rate, and haematological indices. This study highlights the potential role of genetic factors in predisposing individuals to AVN following COVID-19 infection.

The collateral effects of COVID-19 on marine pollution

The COVID-19 pandemic has gained significant attention to the intersection of public health crises and environmental challenges, particularly in the context of marine pollution. This paper examines the various impacts of the pandemic on marine environments, focusing on the pollution attributed to single-use plastics (SUPs) and personal protective equipment (PPE). Drawing on a comprehensive analysis of literature and case studies, the paper highlights the detrimental effects of increased plastic waste on marine ecosystems, biodiversity, and human health. Statistical data and graphical representations reveal the scale of plastic pollution during the pandemic, emphasizing the urgent need for mitigation strategies. The study evaluates innovative monitoring techniques and future recommendations, emphasizing stakeholder collaboration in sustainable waste management. By broadening geographic examples and comparative analyses, it provides a global perspective on the pandemic's impact, highlighting the importance of international cooperation for safeguarding marine ecosystems.

Micro and Nanoporous Membrane Platforms for Carbon Neutrality: Membrane Gas Separation Prospects

Recently, carbon neutrality has been promoted as a potentially practical solution to global CO2 emissions and increasing energy-consumption challenges. Many attempts have been made to remove CO2 from the environment to address climate change and rising sea levels owing to anthropogenic CO2 emissions. Herein, membrane technology is proposed as a suitable solution for carbon neutrality. This review aims to comprehensively evaluate the currently available scientific research on membranes for carbon capture, focusing on innovative microporous material membranes used for CO2 separation and considering their material, chemical, and physical characteristics and permeability factors. Membranes from such materials comprise metal-organic frameworks, zeolites, silica, porous organic frameworks, and microporous polymers. The critical obstacles related to membrane design, growth, and CO2 capture and usage processes are summarized to establish novel membranes and strategies and accelerate their scaleup.

Kinetic and Thermodynamic Characteristics of Torrefied Acer palmatum

The goal of this research was to investigate the effects of torrefying temperature (220, 260, and 300 °C) on the physicochemical properties, kinetics, thermodynamic parameters, and reaction processes of Acer palmatum (AP) during the pyrolysis process. The kinetics of raw materials and torrefied biomass were studied by using three kinetic models, and the main function graph approach was employed to find the reaction mechanism. The torrefied biomass produced at temperatures of 220 °C (AP-220), 260 °C (AP-260), and 300 °C (AP-300) was thermogravimetrically analyzed at four different heating rates (5, 10, 15, and 20 °C/min). In comparison to the raw material, the average activation energy of torrefied biomass declined with increasing temperature, from 174.13 to 84.67 kJ/mol (FWO), 172.52 to 81.24 kJ/mol (KAS and DAEM). The volatile contents of AP and AP-220 are higher than those of AP-260 and AP-300, indicating that the random nucleation model occupies the central position. Compared with the raw biomass, the average Gibbs free energy (ΔG) of torrefied biomass increased from 157.97 to 195.38 kJ/mol. The mean enthalpy change (ΔH) during the torrefaction process is positive, while the mean entropy change (ΔS) of the torrefaction of biomass is negative, decreasing from 16.93 to -151.53 kJ/mol (FWO) and from 14.36 to -156.06 kJ/mol (KAS and DAEM). Overall, the findings provide a comprehensive understanding of the kinetics and improved features of torrefied biomass as a high-quality solid fuel.

Assessing the impact of COVID-19 lockdown on surface water quality in Ireland using advanced Irish water quality index (IEWQI) model

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted various aspects of life, including environmental conditions. Surface water quality (WQ) is one area affected by lockdowns imposed to control the virus's spread. Numerous recent studies have revealed the considerable impact of COVID-19 lockdowns on surface WQ. In response, this research aimed to assess the impact of COVID-19 lockdowns on surface water quality in Ireland using an advanced WQ model. To achieve this goal, six years of water quality monitoring data from 2017 to 2022 were collected for nine water quality indicators in Cork Harbour, Ireland, before, during, and after the lockdowns. These indicators include pH, water temperature (TEMP), salinity (SAL), biological oxygen demand (BOD5), dissolved oxygen (DOX), transparency (TRAN), and three nutrient enrichment indicators-dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN), molybdate reactive phosphorus (MRP), and total oxidized nitrogen (TON). The results showed that the lockdown had a significant impact on various WQ indicators, particularly pH, TEMP, TON, and BOD5. Over the study period, most indicators were within the permissible limit except for MRP, with the exception of during COVID-19. During the pandemic, TON and DIN decreased, while water transparency significantly improved. In contrast, after COVID-19, WQ at 7% of monitoring sites significantly deteriorated. Overall, WQ in Cork Harbour was categorized as "good," "fair," and "marginal" classes over the study period. Compared to temporal variation, WQ improved at 17% of monitoring sites during the lockdown period in Cork Harbour. However, no significant trend in WQ was observed. Furthermore, the study analyzed the advanced model's performance in assessing the impact of COVID-19 on WQ. The results indicate that the advanced WQ model could be an effective tool for monitoring and evaluating lockdowns' impact on surface water quality. The model can provide valuable information for decision-making and planning to protect aquatic ecosystems.

How can environmental degradation and income disparities influence national health: an eye bird view on China's provinces

Growing socio-economic disparity is a global issue that could disturb community health. Numerous case studies have examined the health influences of income disparities as well as the patterns that implicate those disparities. Therefore, this study attempts to examine the core determinants of mortality rate, which are environmental degradation, green energy, health expenditures, and technology (ICT) for the 25 provinces of China over the period of 2005-2020. This study uses a series of estimators to investigate the preferred objectives in which CS-ARDL and common correlated effect mean group (CCE-MG). Estimated results show the significant contribution of environmental deterioration and income inequality to the mortality rate. Furthermore, health expenditures, ICT, and green energy significantly reduce the mortality rate. Similarly, the moderate effect of income inequality on health expenditure, green energy, and ICT significantly reduces the mortality rate in selected provinces of China. More interestingly, the current study suggests policy implications to reduce the rising trend of mortality rate.

Effect of Farmers' Awareness of Climate Change on Their Willingness to Adopt Low-Carbon Production: Based on the TAM-SOR Model

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the intricate relationships between human health and the social-ecological system in an era of climate and global change. Widespread COVID-19 adversely affected farmers' employment, production practices, and livelihood resilience. At the same time, climate change is a key issue limiting agricultural production worldwide. Emissions of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, are a major factor leading to global climate change. Greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural production are receiving increasing attention. Therefore, it is particularly important to develop low-carbon agriculture. Based on data from 920 family farms in Jiangsu province and Shaanxi province, this study constructs a structural equation model and empirically tests the relationship between the variables using the bootstrap method. The results show that: (1) climate change awareness did not directly stimulate farmers' willingness to pursue low-carbon production; (2) climate change awareness has an impact on low-carbon production willingness through perceived ease of use and consequence awareness; and (3) anti-risk ability can effectively moderate the impact of climate change awareness on low-carbon production behavior in agriculture. The theoretical model framework proposed in this study provides a reference for research in the field of low-carbon agriculture and also provides some insights and suggestions for environmentalists and governments. In addition, policymakers should effectively raise the sense of responsibility of farmers to address climate change and promote low-carbon agricultural production to achieve healthy and sustainable agricultural development.